LEOMINSTER, Mass. – Robert Joseph Smith, 78, passed away suddenly Jan. 7, 2012. Bob was born Feb. 17, 1933, in Presque Isle, a son of the late Granville and Margaret Smith.
After completing high school, where he placed second and third in the state track meet for javelin and discus, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Dix, N.J., and Fort Hood, Texas. After an honorable discharge he returned to complete his education at Aroostook State Teachers College. He graduated in 1961, becoming the first male to graduate with a degree in physical education. After teaching a year in the Limestone school system Bob became the first physical education teacher at Skyway Middle School and remained for 26 years. In 1974 Bob earned a master’s degree in physical education at the University of Maine, Orono. Bob coached gymnastics and wrestling, and for 20 years his wrestling teams were undefeated. As a coach at PIHS, he had three state champion wrestlers and gymnasts. Bob not only coached, but he umpired and officiated team sports. For 22 years he officiated basketball and was president of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials Board 150 Aroostook County Basketball Officials in 1970 and 1971. For 10 years he officiated soccer and in 1989 was president of Northern Maine Board of Approved Soccer Officials. For 30 years he umpired baseball games and was president of Northern Maine Board of Approved Baseball Umpires in 1966 and 1972. For more than 15 summers, he worked as a counselor at Camp Kennebec, North Belgrade. He was head of the canoeing department and guided campers down the Allagash River, a distance of 92 miles. Bob retired from teaching in 1990, but remained very active with volunteering, skiing, golfing, woodcarving and singing in church choirs in Presque Isle and Leominster, Mass. His strength, love and commitment made him an excellent role model. He loved his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ann Keirstead Smith; his son, William Smith and wife, Joan, and their children, Katherine, Alexandra and Harrison, of South Portland; his son, Terrance Smith and wife, Nichole, of Georgetown, Texas; his daughter, Donna Leon and children, Andrew, Gabriel and Robert Leon, and her fiance, Peter McKenna, of Lunenburg, Mass.; his two brothers, Hollis Smith and Richard Smith and wife, Opal; and his three sisters, Mary Kakos, Isabelle Haines and Barbara White and husband, Bernard.
A Mass of Christian burial will be offered 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Our Lady of the Lake Church, Leominster, Mass., by the Rev. Timothy Brewer. A reception will be after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Bob’s memory to www.AutismSpeaks.org.